Diamond guide
– The 4cs
Melekkis Jewellery centers it’s work with only the finest and top quality diamonds those of which are selectively hand-picked by our team of qualified gemologists. We believe not only in quality of service but also in the quality of our products which provides the core basis of our individual designs and unique merchandise. Every diamond is unique and is specified by its place of morphosis and time of production. At Melekkis Jewellery our diamonds are evaluated and graded in accordance with GIA standards of the 4cs – color, carat, cut and clarity.
Colour
The colour of a diamond is graded by its tint and absence of colour. Naturally, a diamond with less color blemishes is classified as the rarest and most expensive. The GIA’s D-to-Z color grading system measures the degree of colorless by using a comparison of the stone under very specific certified conditions. The color of a diamond is considered as the most important of the 4cs as it is vividly seen with the naked eye. Naturally the color of a diamond is seen more intensely based on the cart size of the diamond. At Melekkis Jewellery our team of qualified gemologists are able to assist in selecting the perfect diamond to accompany a uniquely designed engagement ring setting.
Colour Guide
- D-E-F – Colourless
- G-H-I-J – Near Colourless
- K-L-M – Slightly Yellow
- N-O-P-Q-R – Very Light Yellow
- S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z – Light Yellow
Cut
The quality of a diamond’s cut is vital to the diamond’s beauty and value. The cut of a diamond is not only based on the shape (princess, round, pear) but also on how well the diamond interacts with light. The characteristics of a well cut diamond is based on the following:
Brilliance: The reflection of white light.
Fire: The dispersion of light with the colours of the rainbow.
Scintillation: The sparkle produced by a diamond and the contrast between dark and light.
Clarity
As diamonds are formed under carbon exposure and deep pressure under the earth, the clarity of a diamond can result in inclusions and blemishes. When evaluating a diamond, its imperfections and transparency is assessed in order to be able to grade it. The most expensive and best quality diamond is categorised as “flawless” and is has no inclusions or blemishes.
Diamond Clarity Chart
- Flawless – No inclusions and no blemishes visible
- Internally Flawless – No inclusions and only blemishes are visible
- VVS1 VVS2 – VVS diamonds (1 and 2) are very very slightly included
- VS1 VS2 – VS diamonds (1 and 2) are very slightly included
- SI1 SI2 – SI diamonds (1 and 2) are slightly included
- I1 I2 I3 – I diamond (1, 2 and 3) are imperfect
Carat
Diamonds are measured in metric carats by weight and not size. The carat weight and size of a diamond differs substantially based on the cut of a diamond, for example, a diamond may appear to be bigger based on the cut however it’s carat weight may be less than another which appears larger to the naked eye. Additionally, a poorly cut diamond will hold a lower carat weight then a high-quality cut diamond. It is therefore imperative when choosing the right diamond to base the decision on the carat weight and not the size.